Hy4Dense

Developing hydroponic systems for vegetables sown at high density
Priority Axis
Technological and Social InnovationSpecific objective
Technological Innovation
Lead partner
InagroContact
Start Date
01/02/2019End Date
30/09/2022Project budget
2 857 450 €ERDF amount
1 714 470 €ERDF rate
60%About
Common challenge
The program area has a strong focus on stimulating sustainable, resource-efficient production through technological improvement. Innovative production improvements by growers by introduction of novel hydroponic cultivation systems offers great potential to produce high-quality crops with reduced environmental impact. Hydroponics benefits growers by increased productivity, by improved efficient management of crop cultivation while controlling diseases that influence yield and revenue. More than 90% of greenhouse cultivation of fruit vegetables has shifted to hydroponics; leafy vegetables grown at low plant density (e.g. lettuce) are starting to implement systems. However, no straightforward solutions are available for vegetable crops traditionally densely sown in rows in the field. Investing in a novel hydroponic system developed in co-creation with the stakeholders and adequate technology transfer to adapt skills for implementation will therefore be a key output from Hy4Dense.